The Lovereading4Kids comment

In a nutshell: (the loneliness of the long distance swimmer) comedy – romance – synchronised swimming

Perfect for the summer holidays or as revision comfort reading, Girl Out of Water is a sparkling comedy, with a great central character. Lou is just about keeping her head above water: she’s lost her chance for Olympic swimming stardom after flunking the time trials and what’s worse, her best friend Hannah didn’t. Now Lou is on her own at school with a sinking feeling – all that training hasn’t left room for much else. So when a trio of the school’s fittest boys ask her to help them develop a synchronised swimming routine for a TV talent contest, of course she says yes. Lou has a brilliant line in self-deprecation and the dialogue glistens; and if the plot is far-fetched, who cares when it’s this much fun. ~ Andrea Reece

Reader Reviews

Teens & YA's love to read and so in addition to our Lovereading expert opinion some of our older Lovereading4kids Reader Review Panel were also lucky enough to read and review this title. You can read their full reviews by clicking here.

Amelie Chatham, age 13 - 'This is a great book for fans of Holly Smale's Geek Girl books.'

Holly Carver, age 13 - 'Girl Out of Water is a really funny book. I can completely connect to what she is feeling. It's a great story that took me through a World of emotions.'

Ellen Faulkner, age 14 - 'Girl Out Of Water is a very good book...it just wasn't my cup of tea, however, I would recommend it to other readers.'

Jodi Coffman, age 14 - 'It was light hearted and funny and it was so good that I read it in a day! I recommend this book to anyone looking for a unique, quick-read that is extremely funny.'

Synopsis

Girl Out of Water by Nat Luurtsema

A thoroughly British teen comedy starring a hilariously flawed heroine with a quip for every occasion - perfect for fans of Holly Smale, Holly Bourne, Caitlin Moran and Sophie Kinsella.

Lou Brown's life is going down the pan. Best friend Hannah sailed through the Olympic time trials and is off to her fancy-pants new swim training school, while Lou's own failure to qualify leaves her without a hobby - or a friend. As Lou tries to navigate her post-swim world, a chance encounter with three boys with stars in their eyes takes her life in a surprising new direction. One that leads to a crazy world of underwater somersaults, talent show auditions, bitchy girls and one great big load of awkward boy chat.

Reviews

This irreverently funny debut by BAFTA-nominated screenwriter Nat Luurtsema is brutally honest and truly LOL - read it and weep (with laughter) by the pool. Family Traveller ...a brilliant, funny mix of swimming, boys, and a TV talent show. The Express The ensuing drama is pin-sharp in its observation of teenage angst and pressures. A perfect summer read for teenage girls. Daily Mail The Louise Rennison of the next generation. Rachel Kennedy, YA-BBERINGBOOKLOVER Blogspot

About the Author

Nat Luurtsema is a stand-up comedian, actor, BAFTA-nominated screenwriter and author of Cuckoo in the Nest, a comic memoir for adults published by Hodder & Stoughton. Nat lives in London, SE24; this is her first book for teens.